As we enter the season of gift giving, it’s worth noting that an early delivery has arrived.

That gift is in the form of time and talent. Team members from across the CSN community have been working diligently to ensure that students are able to comply with the Nevada State Board of Health’s new COVID-19 vaccination policy.

In August, the board mandated that all students enrolled in either in-person or hybrid courses at the state’s public colleges and universities will need to provide proof of a completed COVID-19 vaccination series or documentation for a medical or religious vaccination exemption. The policy applies to credit and non-credit courses beginning with spring semester.

The Admissions and Records/Registrar team took the lead with this compliance initiative in late September by creating a webpage for students to upload their documentation and developing an internal review protocol. Next came the process of preparing step-by-step compliance instructions that were emailed to all students. And since mid-October, a network of interdisciplinary volunteers at the college has been processing the submissions.

As of Dec. 10, more than 23,000 proof of vaccination and exemption forms have been submitted online, with many more expected.

That said, some students won’t be seeking registration assistance until mid-to-late January, and they may not have begun the necessary steps for COVID-19 proof of vaccination or exemption compliance.

In these instances, exercise your standard warm greeting to these students and refer them to the csn.edu/coyotetracks webpage for access to the one-stop resources they will need to pursue enrollment. Your guidance will help students minimize confusion regarding the necessary COVID-19 vaccination documentation and also reduce delays in their registration for spring courses.

Your ability to problem solve and collaborate across departments with this challenge—and on a tight deadline, no less—is nothing short of inspirational. Given the spirit of the season, your commitment to this effort is the ultimate gift toward putting Students First so they can persist toward their educational goals.

With gratitude,

Juanita

Juanita L. Chrysanthou
Vice President for Student Affairs

When the United States began its formal military withdraw from Afghanistan in August, active-duty service members in that region weren’t the only ones to respond with swift action.

On the home front, James Taylor mobilized his counseling skills to lead weekly virtual group therapy sessions to support student veterans at CSN and UNLV, especially those who served in the Middle East.

Taylor, a licensed clinical social worker and former U.S. Marine, is a new addition to both institutions in a role fully funded and coordinated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

This summer, the VA installed Taylor as the sole Southern Nevada coordinator for the Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program—a program to enhance veterans’ retention and holistic success through campus–community initiatives; provide on-campus clinical care and coordination; and collaborate with the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System, Veterans Benefits Administration, as well as faculty, staff and community resources.

Taylor’s chief responsibilities involve helping student veterans bridge complex VA services that include the military-to-college transition and access to healthcare, with an emphasis on no-diagnosis-required mental health assistance.

In fact, his recent group therapy sessions, spanning about two months altogether, were an anticipatory response to the mental health challenges many veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian life. Taylor said the individuals who attended the sessions were interactive and reported feeling less stress afterward.

That initial sense of post-military service ambiguity resonates with Taylor.

After completing his U.S. Marine Corps enlistment obligation, he enrolled in college and experienced numerous difficulties, such as not knowing where to go for the right information or understanding his GI Bill funding.

“I assumed if I couldn’t figure college out on my own, I shouldn’t really be there,” said Taylor, who dropped out and reenlisted in the military—a culture of support he understood—before eventually returning to college to complete bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

“If there had been a VITAL program at that time, I could have learned how to manage my own concerns, as well as been connected to the right programming and people to improve my ability to be successful,” Taylor said.

As one of about 135 VITAL program coordinators across the country, Taylor is now in a position to extend lifelines of support, whether through his counseling interventions, training sessions or referrals to VA, college and community resources.

“When people are struggling to manage their current life situation, adding extra layers to get help makes it less likely they will pursue what they need,” Taylor said. “Providing services where there’s a veteran—a person they can come to rather than call an 800 number—will drastically improve the likelihood of them pursuing what they need.”

The VITAL program will be a strategic partner with CSN’s Veterans Education and Transition Services, said Vanessa Winn, assistant director for VETS. She named veterans’ mental health awareness, suicide prevention and general VETS event collaborations as short-term goals, and permanent connections to VA physical and mental healthcare resources as long-term ones.

Winn added that student veterans bring several qualities to the classroom and college community with their presence and participation.

“First, they offer a unique perspective to share with classmates and instructors during classroom discussions,” Winn said. “Second, there is a certain determination gained from the trials and tribulations many face during the high-stress moments that are hallmarks of military service. Often, these experiences can place them in spots to be an example for the rest of the student body.”

Gloria Angulo is an Administrative Assistant I on the CSN Charleston campus. Angulo embodies the CSN Students First philosophy in her role with the switchboard and does so with a smile. She is known to be an excellent active listener and is an expert at helping students and colleagues navigate processes and procedures. Angulo consistently goes above and beyond the scope of her role to connect students to resources. She takes pride in helping students get the help they need to be successful.

“In the nearly six years I have known Gloria, she has acquired a vast amount of knowledge on CSN processes, policies, deadlines and departments,” wrote Nancy Swanson. “Working in different departments, this employee has become a valuable asset and pillar to all CSN students, faculty and staff.”

Angulo’s remarkable ability to build personal connections allows her to stay up to date on a variety of resources and programs available to students. She makes the success of CSN students her top priority and believes that every member of the CSN family deserves to feel supported and enriched.

“Gloria is a true servant leader,” wrote Swanson. “Her service extends beyond the CSN family to many non-profit organizations in Las Vegas. From her service at food pantries to organizations providing resources for medical, psychological and shelters, she gives so much of herself to her community. She is a person who truly believes in the power of changing lives to change humanity and leave people feeling valuable. We need more people like her in the world.”

Congratulations Gloria!

If you would like to nominate someone for CEOM, please submit the Nomination Form to Connie Jo Harris by DECEMBER 17. During telecommuting, please submit the Nomination Form to Connie.Harris@csn.edu. Do not send through interoffice mail. Thank you.

The Classified Employee of the Month will receive $200, a certificate, a designated parking spot (when we return to campus) and be recognized on a plaque at all three campuses.
The purpose of this award is to recognize exceptional classified employees who stand out among the many employees that consistently perform at a high level. Please nominate those individuals that are thriving in the work at home environment.

Ranking and selection by the council members is “blind.” The employee name and work area on the nomination form will be hidden from the council, thus we are asking for the nominator’s cooperation in not mentioning names and work areas in the narrative, when possible. Nominees who are not selected as the CEOM, will be considered for two additional months. As the recipient of the nomination forms, Connie Jo Harris does not participate in the rating of nominees.

Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak announced the appointment of nine members including CSN President Dr. Federico Zaragoza to the Community College Workforce Training and Programs Committee. The committee was formed through the signing of Assembly Bill 450.

“Nevada’s community colleges continue to play a pivotal role in the training and development of our workforce as we rebuild our State’s economy. Now more than ever, we must harness the educational opportunities institutions of higher education provide to help prepare Nevadans for the jobs of the future,” said Governor Sisolak. “I am confident in the leadership and expertise of the members of this committee, and I look forward to their results as we continue to work hard to meet the needs of Nevada’s students and our workforce.”

The legislation was first proposed during the Governor’s 2021 State of the State address with the intent of aligning workforce training and programs offered by community colleges in Nevada, to ensure that Nevadans are trained and ready for the demands of the current workforce.

The committee is charged with conducting an interim study concerning opportunities to align workforce training and programs offered by community colleges in this State.

The following members representing experience from across the educational system have been appointed to the Community College Workforce Training and Programs Committee:

Stacey Bostwick, Director of Workforce Development at GOED
Kurt Thigpen, CEO of Ace Studios
Myisha Boyce, President & Managing Member at MYS LLC
Ryan Woodward, CFO at National Technical Institute
Chris Trolson- Assistant Director of Training at Southern Nevada Operating Engineers JATC
Jhone Ebert, Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Nevada Department of Education
Dr. Melody Rose, Chancellor of the Nevada System of Higher Education
Dr. Federico Zaragoza, President at College of Southern Nevada
Derrick Hill, Division Vice President Sales, and Market Operations at Cox Communications

The CSN Holiday Angel Program was started in 2007 by Paul Herrle, Human Behavior Professor. Throughout his years of teaching, he observed that many CSN students had children of their own. After hearing some of their financial challenges first-hand he decided to help. In 2010, Classified Council spearheaded a campaign to enhance the Angel Program by providing gift cards to local grocery stores to help the families with a holiday meal.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the Classified Council Calendar sales goes toward purchasing these gift cards. In the event there are more Angels than children, Paul Herrle reaches out to outside agencies to “adopt” some of their children in need as well. In this instance, Classified Council will provide gift cards to CSN student families, as well as the outside agency families adopted by the Angel Program.

Support the CSN Holiday- Angel Program by purchasing the 2022 Classified Council Calendar Calendars ($10). Calendars are available for pre-order from your Classified Council representatives. Payment can be made in cash or check made payable to the Board of Regents. Order forms also available on the Classified Council page at www.csn.edu/classified-council

Deadline & Delivery Dates

All orders are due by December 3rd. Expected delivery date of calendars is December 6-15.
Please contact Georgia Martini at ext. 3025 if if you would like to purchase calendars with department funds.

Please email your representative or ClassifiedCouncil@csn.edu
for questions or more information.

Dear faculty, staff and students,

On November 11, we pause to express our deep gratitude and sincere appreciation to our veterans for their brave and selfless service to our country. No words can express the gratitude to our military and their families for the sacrifices they have endured in representing and defending our country.

We are so thankful for their service! 

Please join the College of Southern Nevada as we commemorate Veterans Day in the following ways:

• Come to the Charleston or North Las Vegas Multicultural Center ( Student Union Room, 121) and sign our Thank a Veteran banner from November 8-10. This is available for all employees and students to sign. While you are there, snacks will be available.

• Please sign up to march with the College of Southern Nevada as we participate in the 2021 Las Vegas Veterans Day Parade on November 11.
• We are meeting on 3^rd Street between Coolidge and Gass. The parade begins at 10 a.m., we are suggesting participants arrive at 9 a.m. to give themselves time to park and locate the group. Email Tabitha.Conaway@csn.edu to receive an email with the CSN line-up number the morning of November 11^th, so that you can better locate the group.

Remembering our veterans who have served our country is something we are grateful for every day and in November our hearts are filled with great pride and thanks.

Please take a moment today to say thank you to all of our faculty, staff members, students and alumni who have served our country, as well as those who have supported them in service.

Remember ­– freedom isn’t free.

Signed, Military and Veterans Alliance

Dale Wisniewski is a Landscape Project Manager for the Facilities Management team on the CSN Henderson campus. Wisniewski moved to Las Vegas with his family in 1961 and has made it his home ever since. This CSN alumni attended horticulture classes early in his career and developed a passion for landscape design.

Wisniewski considers CSN home. “It has been great for me returning to CSN to share my knowledge and help make many improvements to all campuses,” he wrote.  “I look forward to many more years at CSN.”

Congratulations Dale!

The Administrative Faculty Assembly would like to help you recognize the contributions of administrative and professional faculty at the College of Southern Nevada. If you know any administrative or professional faculty that you feel deserves to be recognized, please take a moment to fill out a short online nomination form. Please direct any questions to the AFA Recognition Committee Chair, Leanita Hughes leanita.hughes@csn.edu.

More information about the AFA, the Administrative Faculty Employee of the Month, and a list of previous recipients can be found on our website.

Nomination forms are due on the 15^th of each month. It takes just a moment; please help recognize a hard-working colleague today! Please use this link to nominate. Thank you for helping to recognize the great work done by your friends and colleagues.

Tracy Warren is an Administrative Assistant III in the Human Behavior Department on the CSN Charleston campus. Warren has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience during her tenure at the college and has become vital resource in the clerical administrative function of an extremely busy department.

Warren is known for her exceptional professionalism and her ability to maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity. She embraces change and her work ethic is unmatched. “Tracy goes beyond what is expected of her in her role,” wrote Professor Maria Moya in the nomination submission. “What she does is incredible. She enables the entire team to work more effectively.”

Warren embodies the CSN philosophy of keeping student first in all things. She makes herself available to assist students, faculty and staff and does so with a smile. Her colleagues have come to depend on her wealth of knowledge and appreciate her friendly demeanor. “We are empowered by her knowledge, skills and abilities,” wrote Human Behavior Chair Wil Wilreker. “She radiates warmth and professionalism, and her personality is infectious.”

Her colleagues note her loyalty to CSN and an uncanny ability to remain calm under pressure. “Tracy is not easily rattled,” wrote Professor Steve Tracy. “And she is particularly effective at explaining why policies and procedures are important and how they benefit the students, employees and the institution.”

Congratulations Tracy!

If you would like to nominate someone for CEOM, please submit the Nomination Form to Connie Jo Harris by NOVEMBER 22. During telecommuting, please submit the Nomination Form to Connie.Harris@csn.edu. Do not send through interoffice mail. Thank you.

Connie.Harris@csn.edu.

The Classified Employee of the Month will receive $200, a certificate, a designated parking spot (when we return to campus) and be recognized on a plaque at all three campuses.

The purpose of this award is to recognize exceptional classified employees who stand out among the many employees that consistently perform at a high level. Please nominate those individuals that are thriving in the work at home environment.

Ranking and selection by the council members is “blind.” The employee name and work area on the nomination form will be hidden from the council, thus we are asking for the nominator’s cooperation in not mentioning names and work areas in the narrative, when possible. Nominees who are not selected as the CEOM, will be considered for two additional months. As the recipient of the nomination forms, I do not participate in the rating of nominees.

Recruitment for Spring 2022 is Under Way

Prospective class members are now being solicited for the CSN Leadership Academy Spring 2022 cohort. The personal and professional enrichment program is open to all classified employees, administrative faculty, and tenure-track, adjunct and full-time teaching faculty. It utilizes the well-regarded 7 Habits of Highly Effective People model of principle-based leadership, and concentrates on proactivity, strengthening time management, ethical decision-making, and communication competency.

The Spring 2022 cohort will meet:

• Friday, February 18
• Friday, March 4
• Friday, March 18
• Friday, April 1.

Interested individuals are asked to complete the application linked below. Currently, the program has been extended for up to 90 more participants (through the Summer 2022 semester) so it is advantageous to apply quickly.

To date, more than 300 members of the CSN community have completed this personal enrichment and professional development program.

Unless otherwise indicated on the form or in the e-mail submission, the applicant will be considered for the Spring 2022 program cycle (which runs February through April). If a large volume of interest exists, all accepted prospects beyond the 30-person class limit will be placed on a Wait List. Those wait-listed will be informed of their acceptance into the Academy, and given the opportunity to participate in the next session — space permitting.

If at the time of application, the individual expresses a preference to be included in the Spring or Summer 2022 sessions, they will have priority placement. Next, openings will be filled through the Academy Wait List.

Participants will be selected based on:

• Date of submission, to determine priority order
• Category (Classified, administration or faculty)
• Supervisor’s permission.

The intention, where possible, is to achieve a balance between the participants, based on their representational “category.” This helps to ensure robust dialogue and full inclusivity.

Dr. Zaragoza wishes this opportunity to be available to all who apply and can be accommodated. Supervisors are, therefore, encouraged to offer their support to applicants.

Notification of acceptance, and cohort placement, will be confirmed by late December 2021.

Please contact program director Dr. Gillian Silver-Rodis@csn.edu, for more information.

Application Instructions

1. Download the CSN Leadership Academy Application form by clicking here.
2. Send the signed and completed form to Gillian Silver-Rodis at gillian.silver-rodis@csn.edu.